The first group of students from a new Middlesbrough school to go out on work experience have returned with glowing reports - and in some cases the offer of a job.

More than 180 Year 10 students from The King's Academy in Coulby Newham became the first to take up a placement since the school opened in September 2003.

Many of the employers who offered a five-day placement said they were so impressed that the students, who included some with special learning needs, were welcome back any time.

Others offered Saturday jobs, apprenticeships and information on how the young people could pursue careers with the employer when they were older.

Pastoral head at the King's, Jackie Hurst, said: "The students are encouraged to behave professionally whilst in school, to show respect and to dress smartly in their uniform so it's especially pleasing to hear that they conducted themselves in the same way outside the Academy.

"Some young people think that school isn't for them and are keen to get into and flourish in a working environment and we're pleased to be able to support them in having that opportunity."

The students worked in a range of sectors including retail, engineering, architecture, animal welfare, construction, the civil service and the motor industry.

The Academy invested in safety boots and overalls for those students who needed them, and teachers visited every student in their place of work.

Each employer reported back, every student wrote a self-assessment and parents and guardians evaluated the programme which was organised in conjunction with Learn2Work, part of Connexions.

Katie Stokes, who worked at Jenks hair salon in Hemlington, was described as "top of the list of work experience students", while Middlesbrough tax office was happy to have Daniel Little back saying he was a credit to the Academy.

Paul Wright-King was told he would make an excellent primary school teacher based on his placement at Viewley Hill School and Michael Mooney has been offered a Saturday job at Plantarama garden centre.

Navid Kadkhodaei-El Yadara was "the best work experience student" to join Pride and Joy Classics while O'Rourkes solicitors told Jade Crossling she was "welcome back any time".

Jade, 15, said: "I was nervous on the first day but for the rest of the week I really loved it. I'm starting a placement there in September."

Mrs Hurst added: "The self-esteem of some students was really boosted by the work experience and others have been introduced to career choices they had not considered before. We'd all like to thank the employers very much for the effort they put in and for their useful feedback."